An evolutionary & developmental biology lab

Research in our lab spans the boundaries between evolution, development, ecology, and molecular genetics. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary changes in morphology, behavior, and ecological adaptations. We use developmental genetics and genomics to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways that control animal development. At the same time, comparative approaches help us understand how these pathways evolve, and what changes in these pathways are responsible for the origin and diversification of new structures and processes. Ultimately, we want to understand how changes in DNA affect development and cell differentiation to produce new phenotypes, and determine the roles of selection and demographic forces in shaping the evolution of developmental pathways.